In January, you met three of our newer staff members: Christin, Noah, and Zoe. We are so excited to introduce you to three more phenomenal MLK educator: Teresa, Taylor, and Quay!
Teresa Piper
Teresa Piper joined the MLK teaching team during the current 2020-21 school year. Although her degree is in English, Teresa has always been drawn to working with young children, especially after watching her own son, Chris (now age 3), in his Head Start classroom. “I just really loved that environment, watching the children grow and watching them learn by living and playing.”
Teresa began her career in early education at a private preschool in southwest Fort Wayne but decided to take a job at MLK because she wanted to work with children who live in her own community and because she wanted to expand her experiences by teaching in a Montessori program. Although she did not have previous experience with the Montessori Method, she is learning very quickly, and is especially interested in how everyday lessons can support more traditional academic concepts. “It’s so interesting that children can build math skills by folding a cloth!” Teresa also enjoys working with the MLK staff members, who she says work closer together and are more collaborative than the educators at her last school.
When asked what makes her unique as an educator, Teresa shared that she really enjoys being creative with her students. “I like to get their hands messy!” Indeed, whether she is letting them express themselves through art or teaching them about key figures in Black History through song, Teresa always finds unique ways to incorporate the arts in her classroom. As a former English major, she is also very passionate about reading and writing and, in the coming year, would like to do even more to share her love of literature with the students at MLK.
However, what seems to make Teresa a truly extraordinary teacher is how much she very clearly cares for and wants to protect her students. “School can be scary, especially if you’re new to it. I love being able to build connections with my students and being a comfort for them. I want them to always feel safe with me. There’s nothing better than seeing my students feel happy to come to school and to have me as their teacher!”
Taylor Miller
After earning bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and special education, Taylor Miller had worked in South Bend as a therapist for children with autism. However, after moving to Fort Wayne, she decided she wanted to explore a career in education. When she saw a job opening at MLK, she knew she had found the perfect fit.
In college, Taylor had learned about loved the Montessori philosophy—namely the idea that children can learn academic skills through practical life activities like preparing food or sewing a button. As the co-teacher in MLK’s kindergarten classroom, Taylor is learning more about the Montessori Method every day and continues to appreciate the way it supports children. “It is so important to get to know each child individually. Unlike other schools, where it’s one-size-fits-all, we really tailor the learning to each student.” In the Montessori classroom, students are given freedom to explore activities that interest and challenge them and that fit their particular learning style. “Just because a student learns differently doesn’t mean that they can’t learn!” Taylor shared.
This year, Taylor is using her background in special education to help MLK students better understand and process their emotions. For example, when a child in her class is feeling angry, they can go to a choice board, where they can select an appropriate response (e.g., taking deep breaths, going to the peace chair, playing with puddy, etc.). The choice board, which helped the children with autism that Taylor had previously worked with, has also proven to be a tremendous resource for the children at MLK! One student had really been struggling with his anger and would often throw chairs or engage in other dangerous responses. Taylor taught him that it is okay to feel angry but that he has different options for expressing his anger. Now, the student no longer erupts; he asks to go to the choice board!
Taylor will soon begin working to earn her master’s degree in behavioral analysis (with an emphasis on autism) through Ball State’s online program and looks forward to finding new ways to support MLK students, especially those with special needs.
Quay White
Quay White has known that she wanted to work with young children ever since she was a high school student enrolled in Harding’s child development program. After earning an associate’s degree in early childhood education, Quay worked for six years at another preschool in Fort Wayne. She then joined the MLK team ten years ago, in June 2012. Quay was especially interested in work at MLK because she was drawn to the Montessori Method of education, including its intentionality, the way it accommodates children’s various learning needs and ability levels, and its use of Montessori learning materials. “You won’t find basic worksheets with letters and numbers. Students really learn through hands-on activities.”
Although Quay has now been an early childhood educator for sixteen years, she says that each year is new and exciting. “Every generation is different, and all students are unique. They have their own creative ideas, and they ask lots of great, open-ended questions. It’s always exciting to me, and I always wonder what the next year will bring.” Quay works hard to keep things exciting for her students, too. For example, each Friday, she hosts a much-loved in-class dance party with her students. It’s a great way to connect, be active, and, of course, have fun!
One needs only speak with Quay for a short while before it becomes obvious just how deeply she cares about the children she serves. She says that one of the most challenging aspects of her job is releasing her students (especially those who were more difficult to connect with) into the world and wondering what happens to them after MLK. However, on the flip side, hearing of her former students’ successes is one of the most rewarding aspects of what she does. “I had a student who was really shy and quiet. I always wondered if I was getting through to her. Well, after graduation, she went onto a nearby public school, and I actually received a call from the school staff congratulating us on what a wonderful job we had done helping to prepare her for kindergarten! Feedback like that makes me feel really proud.”
